An alternative feed is needed if the pasture is poor, there is doubt about the quality orthere is a limited amount. Hay, whether baled, cubed or pelleted, is an acceptable alternative.There are different types of hay, but alfalfa and clover are higher in nutritional content includingprotein and vitamins compared to timothy, orchard or oat grain hay.

Determining the Amount to Feed Your Miniature: a formula based on weightA mini needs 1.5 % of its body wt per day in forage. So for example: a mini that weighs 200lbsneeds 3 lbs of hay a day.

If you do not know the weight of your horse, you could get your horse weighed at a feed store thathas a grain scale or a local vet that has a scale. But if you do not have easy access to a scale, thenthe following is used as an alternative method:

Measuring the girth - distance around the widest part of the shoulders at the withers; andMeasuring the length of the horse- from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks;and use the following formula:

The majority of the horses diet should be forage or hay. If grain is fed, never feed more than 1.25pounds of grain per 250 lbs of horse in a single feeding. Grain would only need to be fed if the amount of forage or hay is not high quality.

There are different types of grain. But in general can be broken down into Unfortified andFortified.

Unfortified grains include corn, oats, barley, wheat and milo. All except oats have a hard outer hullthat is difficult for the horse to digest. If these grains are fed, they must be mechanicallyprocessed to remove the hard outer hull.

Fortified grain “concentrates” are more commonly fed to horses. They usually include severalprocessed grains, added protein, vitamins, and minerals. These concentrates can be bought inseveral different forms: pellets, nuggets or “textured” feed.

A good diet for the Mini horse includes nearly half good quality forage, unlimited water and salt. Pasture is the most natural forage for horses. If the pasture is high quality (adequate plant life, few weeds and no poisonous plants), then in most cases, the mini will not require any additional food supplementation. A local agriculture agent can advise you. Also see: Plants Poisonous For Horses